After reading the Section Introduction and Marvin Harris' "cultural materialist" account of why cows are treated as sacred by Hindus in India, do the following:

1. Identify some aspect of U.S. culture (narrowly defined) and give both idealist and a materialist explanations for it. Be as realistic as possible.

I chose tatoos to explain because I think they are an interesting topic, along with piercings. From an idealistic look tatoos can be a bonding between groups of people in society. In the U.S. people get tatoos for varying reasons and one of those is to show they all belong to the same belief, or group. Through the trial of pain and ink they are show to be accepted into man-hood, or even spiritual groups. It is a permanent way to state what you believe, and how you think. It shows strength and dominance.

From a materialistic side it is something to gain to show off. It is something you can own that will be yours and no one else's. They can't take it from you without taking part of you as well. It makes your skin look different and gives it a special quality. It makes you stand out in a crowd, and brings everyone's attention to you in a large social gathering.



2. Which approach (idealist or materialist) do you think offers the best explanation? Why?

I think idealist offers the best approach, because I see more tatoos around here now to demonstrate a group. A bonding between two people or more. Some even get it for religion, or to show their religious beliefs. Some get fearsome tatoos to show dominance, or try and invoke some feeling of fear.